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Five Reasons to Apply

Madison 2There’s less than two weeks before our application deadline, so I decided to give you a little motivation as you consider why Holy Cross is worth one more push of the submit button. As an alumna of the Class of 2012, I’d like to think these mean something … but in case you remain unconvinced, we are posting one reason per day @HCAdmission with #whyHC. Feel free to tweet at us with your own!

 

Top 5 reasons why I, Madison Hebert, believe you should apply to Holy Cross.

 

1. “The Undecided Movement” – Don’t know what you want to major in? No problem. Holy Cross understands that declaring a major is a stressful and important decision. In order to combat that, all of our freshmen come in undecided and are encouraged to explore their interests and pursue their passions. Some students will declare as early as the spring of their freshman year, while others will wait until the end of their sophomore year.

 

2. Alumni Network – Do you want to be approached by extremely proud alumni every time you have on school paraphernalia outside the gates? Do you wish for extended family that spans the world? Do you enjoy swerving across the highway to get a glimpse of every car sporting a HC sticker (not recommended)? Well if you answered yes, you are applying to the right place. The Holy Cross alumni network is an expansive, supportive, and extremely proud bunch.
>>Alumni Network helps student get finance internship in three days

 

3. Campus – Are you excited to spend four years at an institution where the ivy changes color, the flower beds are pristine, and the snow blowers are revved at the first sight of a snowflake? Words cannot describe the beauty of the Holy Cross campus – come see for yourself on one of our tours. I guarantee you will fall in love with it (maybe not the hills, but I promise you get used to them).

It's January. We need a reminder of Spring beauty.
It’s January. We need a reminder of Spring beauty.

 

4. Professors – Are you looking for caring professors that are invested in your success? Does the idea of in-depth class discussions get you excited?  Do you thrive in small classroom environments that foster meaningful faculty-student interaction? The Holy Cross faculty go above and beyond office hours. They are accessible outside the classroom in review sessions, by cell phone, and over dinner. The faculty wholeheartedly live out the mission as mentors to the students by creating strong bonds that even continue beyond the hill.

 

5. Friends – Do you appreciate a close knit community? Are you someone that values strong relationships? Are you expecting to make memories of a lifetime? Or maybe, you’re even looking for potential bridal party members? Holy Cross nurtures lifelong friendships. From your first steps on campus until graduation you will be connected to the most enthusiastic, hardworking, and caring peers. Countless inside jokes, long brunches in Kimball, and celebratory dances after surviving an exam are almost a guarantee. Also, I would like to make a shout out to my HC friends that helped me put this list together!

 
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Tim Konola, HC ’15, and his semester in D.C.

Tim Konola, a junior at the College, serves as a tour guide in the admissions office. He just returned from a semester in Washington, D.C., where he took part in our internship-based semester program.

 

As a history major, I enjoy writing about my experiences and reflecting upon them later. When I went to Europe several years ago, I documented each of my nine days abroad. Now, I can happily recall those memories whenever I like. This past fall semester I studied “abroad” domestically, this time in Washington, D.C., through the Holy Cross Washington Semester program. Below is a short description of my experience with that program.

 

Soon after my arrival at Holy Cross, I learned about the Washington semester, which runs each fall and spring through the College’s Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. I discovered that the program has three components: a semester-long internship, a weekly seminar class, and a 40-50 page independent thesis. All of this work is completed in Washington, D.C., with access to leading political think tanks, library collections, and leaders.

 

The application process began in the early spring of my sophomore year. It included an application form, two faculty recommendations, an essay describing why I wanted to participate in the program, a sample of my academic writing, and a résumé. I passed in this paperwork and interviewed with Professor DeAngelis, the program’s director. Two weeks later I received a formal acceptance into the D.C. program for the fall of 2013. Only 15 other Holy Cross students were accepted from a competitive application pool. I was ecstatic.

 

A long summer followed, which began the internship season of my life. From June through August I interned at a local branch of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. At the same time I searched for a suitable fall internship. Dozens of applications, cover letters, and résumés later, I finally secured an internship at The Heritage Foundation, a premier conservative think tank five minutes from Capitol Hill.

 

For nearly three months this fall I worked at the The Heritage Foundation in the Roe Center for Economic Policy Studies. Four days per week I assisted Roe fellows with their research and compiled a daily list of economic regulation news for the department. I had the opportunity to summarize Federal Registry proposals, write my own blog, and cover two congressional hearings.

 

I juggled this work with my class assignments and thesis. I must admit that there were times when I felt completely overwhelmed. To achieve a healthier balance, I created a schedule that brought structure and peace to my life: long walks across the Potomac Bridge. Georgetown University’s Library soon became one of my satellite homes as I conducted research for my thesis, and while most Washingtonians complain about the lack of metro accessibility near Georgetown, I enjoyed the long, mandatory walk across the Bridge. These autumn walks gave me time to think about my experience and life in a beautiful silence not often found in the hubbub of the city.

 

Now that I am back in Massachusetts, I can say that I not only learned more about the American political system but also gained real life experience that I might not have gained otherwise. I made several dear friends, both at work and within the group from Holy Cross. It wasn’t easy to leave campus for an entire semester, but my experience away was inspiring and worthwhile.

 
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The Dark, Mysterious Committee Room

AshleySitting in a dark room … with candy

 

After almost four months at my new job as Admissions Counselor at Holy Cross, I have learned one thing: to throw all of my expectations out the window.  So when I received my first calendar invite to Committee, I had no idea what to think.  My colleagues had given me a brief overview of the process: the dark room, the projector, the snacks.  But like almost everything in Admissions, nothing is really that clear until you experience it for yourself.

 

Going into my first committee, I’ll admit … I was nervous.  Naturally, I sat next to the other newbie Admissions staff members(strength in numbers, right?).  Having my reading sheet notes projected in front of my peers made me almost as nervous as applicants are about their credentials being projected in front of the Committee.  After all, I was not far removed from the college search and application process.  Fresh out of college, how was I expected to participate in making life-changing decisions for students only five years younger than myself?  But I guess that is the beauty of our Committee process.  As a new employee, I have more say in shaping the community here than I would at any other entry-level job.  I get to hear all of the unique perspectives of my colleagues and all of our applicants’ amazing stories.  Our Committee process gives every applicant and every staff member a voice.

 

Going into some of our final Early Decision Committees this week, I am feeling more confident.  The Committee process is becoming clearer to me now.  Instead of nervousness, a sense of excitement comes over me whenever we enter the Committee room.  I am excited to help shape the Holy Cross Class of 2018 … and some candy.

 

Ashley Johnson
Admissions Counselor
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An Admissions Intern’s Perspective

Sam Zurn, a current junior, has spent the fall semester completing an internship in the Admissions Office as part of the College’s Academic Internship Program. Now that his internship is complete, he provided us with some thoughts:

 

“So what do students actually do on weekends?” the parents ask, tentatively probing the party-life waters, much to their son or daughter’s dismay. It’s a loaded question, but one Holy Cross students working in admissions are accustomed to answering. Some of the parents ask this with a smirk, leading me to believe that they’re recalling some of their own rowdy college weekends, while others seem to be imagining their child trapped in a scene from Animal House.

As students working in admissions, we have all developed our own approach to answering this, though all rooted in honesty. I typically acknowledge the partying, then stress the alternatives to drinking students engage in that are provided by the school.

Recently, however, when the ole reliable question arises, I find myself thinking more about the open houses, the conferences, the college fairs and the high school visits that have comprised some of my weekends this semester.

This year I’ve been working as an intern in the Office of Admissions and as a result, I’ve got to see some exciting new responsibilities in the world of admissions. Working in admissions after college has always intrigued me. Among other reasons, I enjoy the type of person the job attracts and it’s one that requires the interpersonal skills I’ve continued to refine. So, after reaching out to some of the admissions counselors I had worked with in the past, they were able to create a position for me through the Academic Internship Program in which I was enrolled.

From the front desk, to the mailing room, to interview shadowing, I’ve gotten the inside scoop on the many different components that help our admissions office run smoothly. Even outside the office I’ve gotten to do some pretty cool stuff.

I remember one of my first days I walked into the office to check in with my supervisor, Diane. She goes, “Would you want to co-present our tour guide program at a New England admissions conference? Because I already signed us up…” Talk about starting off with a bang! But I think we made a pretty good team.

Over the past couple months, the entire admissions team has been wonderfully supportive while showing me the ropes, and I guess that’s why it’s always on my mind when I hear parents ask the question. So what do I actually do on the weekends? Well, I encourage prospective students, I explain our Jesuit identity, I brag about our campus, but most importantly, I spread the Purple Pride.
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Our Calling

6a00e54ed0db8e8833010536f8f30b970b-800wiIt is so easy to get lost in all the mundane details of any job, and working in college admissions is no different.  E-mail, spreadsheets, and voicemails  all blur into one long day of tasks.

What’s the point of all this?  Quo vadimus?  — Where are we going?

And then you get the opportunity to call an Early Decision applicant and inform her that the committee has voted to admit her to the class of 2018.

>>WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

“You’re coming to Holy Cross,” I repeated, as she stammered,  in shock, unable to make sense of the exciting news I was trying to deliver.

“I’m going to Holy Cross?” she asked, choking back tears.

And that was it – in that small moment, I found the reason for all those e-mails and spreadsheets – all those days at work. She’s heading to Holy Cross. I’m one of thirteen people helping to assemble the next class of Crusaders.

Where are we going?  #HC2018 – that’s where we’re going.

Follow our progress on Twitter: @HCAdmission
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Giving Thanks

In the spirit of tomorrow’s Thanksgiving holiday, all of us on the Holy Cross Admissions staff felt it important to share what we are thankful for this year.

give thanks-p001

I am thankful for many things in my life: my husband, my children, and most importantly health for my entire family. But for this week…..I am thankful for Drew for thanking all of us for the work that we do and for making each and every one of us feel special.

Doreen Haverty, Administrative Assistant

I’m thankful for all of my AWESOME colleagues who have patiently answered all of my questions and made me love my new job!  

Ashley Johnson, Admissions Counselor

I’m most thankful for many things at this time of my life. First, I’m thankful for God and his abundant Grace that he pours out on my life each day. Second,  I’m thankful for my husband. Third,  I’m thankful for family & friends. Fourth, and most importantly, I’m extremely thankful for our Freedom and our Soldiers!

Trina Patten, Administrative Assistant

I am thankful for my wonderful staff!

Ann McDermott, Director of Admissions

I’m thankful for my health, my family, my special one and only granddaughter, my friends, and a roof over my head.

Pat McKeen, Receptionist

I am thankful for my children and grandchildren.  They bring a lot of joy to my life.

Gloria Villa, Operations Manager

I’m thankful for my family.

Katie Vadnais, Clerical Assistant

I am most thankful for my family (brothers and sisters as well as my children and husband).  I depend on them as much as they depend on me.

Eileen McCarron, Clerical Assistant

I’m thankful for the opportunity to be back on The Hill with the admissions team, my health, and my family. Oh, and of course, my dogs!

Madison Hebert, Admissions Counselor

I am thankful for students that have the guts to incorporate honesty, passion, and humor into their essays. 

Julia Sanders, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

All of my Family, especially my son, Nicholas. My home. Second chances in life. Unconditional Friendships. The community and students of The College of the Holy Cross. Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shari Labovites, Administrative Assistant

Thankful I am healthy and still breathing!

Fr. Markey, S.J., Associate Director for Jesuit Relations

I’m thankful for my fellow admissions counselors, some of the coolest people I know. Thanks to them for inspiring me with their smarts, their creativity, and their dedication; for their support and encouragement when I take on new projects; for always making me smile and laugh, even after a long travel season or a tough day in committee. Because of them, I love what I do and look forward to coming to work every day.

Kate Gimourginas, Assistant Director of Admissions

I am thankful for all of the current students who donate their time to greet, give tours, and interview our prospective students and their families. Their willingness to share their experiences and love of the College reminds me daily that we are a part of a truly special community here at Holy Cross. 

Diane Soboski, Associate Director of Admissions

I’m thankful for the kind Holy Cross student who watched out for my 2-year-old in Hogan after he accidentally rode the elevator by himself from the 3rd to the 5th floor.

Lynn Verrecchia, Associate Director of Admissions

I am thankful for being a part of the Holy Cross Admissions team! 

Xiaofeng Wan, Assistant Director of Admissions

Thankful to work with creative and positive colleagues.

Dan Weagle, Assistant Director for Community Outreach

I am thankful for the work I do in the Admissions Office with fun and supportive co-workers; the Holy Cross students who stop by my office to chat and catch-up; the Perspectives Overnight Program memories and laughs; the friends, family, and food I’ll enjoy over the holidays; and the baby my husband and I are expecting in January.

Nancy Nelsen, Assistant Director for ALANA Recruitment

I’m thankful for co-workers that inspire, overtime victories and blue-frosted cupcakes.

Drew Carter, Associate Director of Admissions

All those in my life who laugh at my jokes, seek my advice, include me in their plans, and listen to my ideas. Oh, and the wonderfully magical power of coffee.

Zach Wielgus, Assistant Director of Admissions

 

From all of us in Holy Cross Admissions, have a safe, relaxing, and delicious Thanksgiving!
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A “Hill” of a Nice Campus

6a00e54ed0db8e8833010536f8f30b970b-800wiBut what about the hill?

I am asked this question all the time.  All.  The.  Time.

I meet students who have researched Holy Cross, love the academic offerings, admire the culture and tradition and can’t wait to be a part of student life . . . “but what about all those stairs?”

 

I’ve offered so many responses to this question over the years:

–          What stairs?

–          You know, you do get to go down them sometimes, too . . .

–          Oh, it’s not THAT bad.

–          Have you heard about all our elevators?

 

Recently, though, I’ve thought more and more about it.

We love our college – not in spite of the hill but, in part, because of our hill.  Anyone who has witnessed a fall sunset from the Hart Center on top of the hill would never complain about the view they get from this hill.  Anyone who has endured a muggy spring day in May would never complain about the cool, spring breeze afforded to us on this hill.  Anyone who has gone sledding and finished their run just steps away from the hot chocolate in Kimball Dining Hall would never complain about the hill.

So, in the future, when applicants ask me about the hill, I now know how I’ll respond.

“I know.  It’s pretty great, isn’t it?”
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Put the “y-o-u” in Essay

Kate Stewart
By the time you’re ready to actually apply to college, many of the pieces of your college application already are the way they are. You’ve taken the classes you’ve taken, you’ve earned the grades you’ve earned, you’ve been involved in activities that have been important to you, and your counselor and teachers have been reflecting on their relationships with you and starting to write their letters of recommendation. Essentially, your college application has been a work in progress for the past few years and at this point much of it is already– to a certain extent– out of your hands.

Sure, you might take the SATs one more time to see if your scores improve (though we’re test-optional at Holy Cross). You’ll continue working hard through senior year to keep your grades up (because we will see them). And hopefully, you’ve contacted us to set up a personal interview (we HIGHLY recommend this).

But one piece that’s still completely in your control and ready to be molded by you is your college essay.

This is great power, and it’s exciting! Consider the college essay an opportunity, and take full advantage of it. This is your chance to share something unique about yourself and to give us a glimpse into one aspect of your life that we wouldn’t otherwise have been fully privy to. We know you aced AP Calc and we know you’re captain of the soccer team and we know your teachers love you … but such is the case for many of our other applicants, too. So now let’s get personal. What wouldn’t we discover or understand about you just from reading your application? Let us in.

If you keep putting off the writing or are filled with dread every time you think about it, ask yourself why this is. Chances are, if you’re having difficulty getting started or making progress, your topic might not be as meaningful to you as you thought. Don’t write what you think we want to hear, write what matters to you. Start a couple of drafts on different topics, walk away, see which one you look forward to returning to the most, and stick with that one. A great personal essay often comes from a place of passion, pride, pain, amusement, nostalgia, curiosity, confusion, desire, joy, love. Write about what makes you tick, what gets you up in the morning, what brings tears to your eyes. Write about experiences that have changed you, relationships that have bettered you, accomplishments that have truly mattered to you, moments that have stayed with you, challenges you’ve overcome. Write about who you are and who you want to be.

The point is, write about YOU. You’ll notice that all five of the essay prompts on the Common Application direct you to write about yourself. So even though we are looking to evaluate the strength and style of your writing, please don’t send us the English paper you just got an A+ on. Boring! Make sure that the people who know you best would be able to read your essay and know it’s yours. Also make sure that if those people are helping you proofread and edit, don’t let their opinions influence you to the point that you end up losing “you” in the essay.

Finally, help make it easier on us admissions counselors by crafting a piece that’s interesting to read! Inject your voice, your personality, your creativity, and in some cases, your humor. A few comments we often make when we’re reading college essays:

  • “Show, don’t tell!” Illustrate the who, what, when, where, and why with details, examples, anecdotes, even dialogue.
  •  “Too thesaurus-heavy!” Don’t use words that are outside of your normal vocabulary. It will sound forced and unnatural.
  •  “Get rid of the first paragraph!” Don’t feel the need to have a formal introduction and conclusion with three neat topic paragraphs sandwiched in between. You have a limited number of words to use, so please just jump right in there and grab our attention.

Believe me when I say that we here on the admissions staff at Holy Cross love and appreciate the college essay. We look forward to getting to know you.
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What to do in The Woo, Part I

JuliaSandersAs a Worcester native, and a representative of the Holy Cross admissions office, I spend a lot of time excitedly talking to prospective students about the city affectionately nicknamed “the Woo.”

There are many things that make Worcester an ideal college town and, over the next few months, I’d like to highlight a few of my favorites.  I hope this will benefit current Holy Cross students and future Crusaders alike.

So, without further ado, I give you the best of Worcester, installment one:

 

Question:  What should I do on a Saturday afternoon when there isn’t a football game?

Answer:  “WAM and Wooberry”

Start the day by taking the Consortium Shuttle to the Worcester Art Museum.  I love this museum because it is doable in one afternoon.  It’s a beautiful space that has a little of everything:  from ancient works to Van Gogh to Warhol.  It’s also free with your Holy Cross ID card.  Fun Fact:  A few scenes from David O. Russell’s widely anticipated film “American Hustle” were shot at the museum.

All that art-viewing is sure to leave you ready to indulge in a sweet treat.  A few short blocks away you’ll find the sweetest addition to the Highland Street corridor, Wooberry frozen yogurt.  Featuring an ever-changing assortment of flavors (Mango, Salted Caramel, and Pumpkin are just a few) , you’re sure to find something to make you smile.

Hope these suggestions help!  Feel free to call the admissions office if you’d like some more.
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A Seasonal Playlist

Zachary WielgusMy life requires a soundtrack. More often than not, I have something playing in the background. While I’m working in my office, cleaning my apartment, going for a run, writing this blog … there’s something moving through the speakers.

Given that, as I spend many hours in the car getting from place to place during travel season, I have made an unofficial playlist for this time of the admissions year:

 

 

1)  ESPN Radio. The bickering and analysis of Mike & Mike greets me every morning. I drink coffee, listen to sports talk, and wake up on my way to my first stop.

2)  “We Were Us” by Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert. I heard an interview about making this duet while in Columbus, and now I can’t change to the station when it’s on.

3)  “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. I’m not proud of it, but this thing is on all the time.

4)  “Every Little Thing is Gonna Be All Right” by Bob Marley. After answering many, many concerns about the Common App’s glitches from frantic applicants and counselors, this melody has become my go-to advice. Get lost in these words.

5)  “Out of My League” by Fitz and the Tantrums. A lucky find of a Minneapolis independent radio station introduced this song (and band) to me. Their whole album is great!

6)  “Radio” by Darius Rucker. I was lost in Tennessee when I first heard this new single. As a big Darius Rucker fan, it was three minutes of windows-down bliss in an otherwise stressful situation.

7)  “Roar” by Katy Perry. As word of a contest to win a Katy Perry concert by making a video to this tune got ‘round all-girls schools everywhere, I, too, got caught up in her new hook.

8)  “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. After exhausting the country, top 40, and alternative rock stations, I rediscovered my appreciation for Motown. The horns in this song get me pumped for a visit!

9)  “Applause” by Lady Gaga. After a long day with a drive back to the hotel the final task, getting to blast Gaga’s return appropriately matches my mood. I don’t know most of the words, but at that point, it doesn’t matter.